Chapter 5: The Ceremony: The Beginning of it All
Today was the day of the ceremony. Tai Lung is to be chosen as the Dragon Warrior.
Some stores in the Valley were closed for the ceremony. Others took advantage of the Ceremony by raising prices and selling to many attending.
Classes in the orphanage where Shu and Ping are staying do not cancel due to the exams held every two weeks. This exam was on the same day as the Ceremony and despite protests by the children [led by Ping] continues.
Shu Ai is up early as the Ceremony starts at lunch. But he could have slept in and woke up at a time much closer to the ceremony? Why is he up at this time?
Shu Ai was in a room filled with the faculty he is friends with. Among these faculty is Fei, whom Shu asked to help gather the faculty who will be with the children during exams.
"Alright, first off, sorry for getting you guys in here at this time when you should be in final preparation for the exams," Shu started. Although this was his first time as center of attention, Shu did well in hiding the nervousness that was usually seen in first-timers.
"You all know the Ceremony starts today, the ceremony where Tai Lung WILL be anointed the Dragon Warrior. I know most if not all of you are following the events that led to this day and I thank you for choosing me to go there," Shu continued, pacing now to keep their attention. Because of Tai Lung's invitation, many of the faculty agreed on choosing Shu as their representative to go to the Ceremony. They would have to stay and do the exams and agreed to allow Shu to take a Leave for the whole day.
Most of the faculty was impressed by Shu's bravery at his first time. He was 15 and showed great bravery and confidence. Shu was nervous inside and believed was just lucky to be able to pull something off that involved bravery and confidence. They kept silent and listened to Shu.
"But, I need a favor of all of you. As you know, Ping and I are adopted brothers. I can sense that Ping would want to spend a lot of time with me," At the mere mention of Ping, a few faculty nodded, knowing how Ping and Shu are close.
"While I'm at the ceremony, I need Ping to stay here and not follow me," Shu requested the faculty.
The faculty, including Fei, started to discuss this with each other. Shu became silent, listening to the hums and buzzes of their voices. Shu could make out that Ping was impossible to control without Shu around and that Ping would be easy to control.
The murmuring soon stopped and turned to Fei who nodded.
"Shu, we're in agreement. We'll keep an eye on Ping and make sure he stays here," Fei told Shu of their decision.
Shu smiled his famous grin and nodded.
"Thank you guys, I owe you for this one!" Shu happily said.
"Aw, no need to owe us, you do a lot already! You do work, you keep a healthy and good relationship with many if not all of us, and you are always good!" A faculty member said.
"Agreed!" Another agreed.
"I'll find a way to pay you back, I promise!" Shu said despite protests.
The meeting ended a few minutes before regular classes started. The faculty soon dispersed towards designated classrooms. Shu was already heading to the entrance of the orphanage to go to the Ceremony on time.
"Shu!" Shu felt a pang of disappointment as he heard Ping's voice. He turned around to see Ping running to him.
"Ping… You have exams today! You should be in the classroom!" Shu grinned at Ping.
"You're off to the ceremony, aren't you?" Ping asked his brother, looking up at him.
"To be honest, yeah," Shu could never lie to Ping.
Shu expected Ping to beg to come with him and was surprised when he was hugged instead.
"Tell me about it when you come back, alright?" Ping looked at Shu, still hugging him.
Shu managed to kneel to face eye-to-eye with his little brother.
"I'll tell you everything, brother," Shu promised with a smile. They hugged each other for a short time before letting go. Shu held out his right paw and Ping let out his left and they slapped them together.
"Pass the exams, Ping," Shu told Ping, kissing him on his forehead.
"Enjoy the Ceremony, Shu," Ping nodded and smiled at him, kissing his brother on his cheek before going to his class.
"Good boy," Shu said and left the orphanage to go to the Ceremony.
Shu looked around as he walked the path he always took to the Palace. He did not worry at the closed shops as much as he did as the ones that were open. He could not buy anything as he could not afford anything due to the raised prices. As he walked to the Jade Palace, Shu began to think once more.
"I have a feeling that after today things will be tense and fun at the same time. I don't know why, but I have a feeling I should be well-versed in defense. Ah great, life's pressures is doing stuff to my head!" Shu thought to himself as he walked through the streets. He placed a paw to his forehead as he continued to think.
"I know two other schools aside from the Jade Palace. One teaches Wing Chun while the other focuses on Kenpo… Let's see what happens. After all, the future is unpredictable," Shu grinned as he reached the steps to the Palace.
"Hi, Shu," Others who were attending greeted Shu as he and they walked up the steps. Shu smiled and waved at those who greeted him.
"So, Shu, how did you afford the entrance fee?" Someone who also would watch the Ceremony slowed down to walk with Shu.
"Tai Lung invited me," Shu replied right away, curious on how this stranger knew him and he did not know who he was.
"Tai Lung? THE Tai Lung invited you? Impossible. You must have had the money to get in, Shu," This stranger did not believe that Tai Lung invited him. He then walked ahead into the Palace.
Shu shook this encounter off and walked to where the ceremony would take place: an area that was wide and open. Shu had passed here many times in his visits.
Shu looked around at the ones who were able to get in for the ceremony. He did not realize that there were so many people. What was more surprising to Shu was that he knew some of them. There was the family of rabbits, all related to Fei, some of Hei Tong's customers and friends, and some fanatics of Tai Lung.
Fei's family saw Shu and smiled. One of them motioned for him to join them with a wave of his arm while the others made room for him. Shu smiled at them in thanks and started to move towards them. As he did, the crowd suddenly erupted in a cheer and blocked Shu's path. All of them were looking at the main entrance of the Palace. Shu looked at the rabbit family curiously and noticed that they were looking at the same direction and cheered just as loud. One of them glanced at Shu and pointed at what everyone was looking at. Shu looked as well and finally noticed the excitement: Tai Lung was visible. Although Shu noticed that the old man and Old Man Turtle weren't there.
Tai Lung ran from where he was and jumped a few feet into the air. The watchers looked in awe at the height of his jump. As he started to land, many people started to back up to give him room. Tai Lung landed at the open area in front of the surrounding audience and stood straight, folding his arms.
"Show off…" Shu laughed as he thought this. Everyone else cheered at Tai Lung who grinned at them. When Tai Lung saw that Shu was among the audience, he let out a big smile.
"Haha, you made it!" Tai Lung's powerful voice caused everyone to be silent, wondering who he was talking about. Shu knew it was him as he smiled.
"Hah, and miss out on the fun?" Shu replied with his confidence and his smile.
Those who knew Shu were proud of him and smiled. Those who did not know him now did, as they looked at him in surprise.
Tai Lung laughed and smiled and started to walk towards him. Those in the way quickly moved out of the way.
"You are such a show off," Shu grinned at Tai Lung as they closed the gap.
"Hah, this is the ceremony after all. I got to show everyone why I'M THE DRAGON WARRIOR!" Tai Lung put emphasis on the Dragon Warrior and everyone cheered.
"Where's the old man?" Shu asked Tai Lung. Some became stiff because Shu did not mention Shifu's name.
"Father? He's with the old turtle! They should be out in a while," Tai Lung replied with a grin. Those who were stiff relaxed as Tai Lung used the same tone as Shu.
"Shu, come with me," Tai Lung told his friend as he turned and moved towards the center of the area.
"What are you planning, Tai Lung?" Shu asked, following his friend. Many thought that Shu was the luckiest person on earth, being able to get along quickly with the legendary Master Tai Lung.
Tai Lung smiled as he turned and stood straight.
Shu raised an eyebrow in curiosity as he stopped as well. They were separated by a small gap. They faced each other and the audience was tense as what was going to happen.
"Show them your power, Shu!" Tai Lung roared suddenly and ran to Shu, jumping and attempting to kick his chest to unbalance him.
"I see now! Only because you asked!" Shu replied with a grin as they were having another sparring match. Shu knew this move as well, remembering it from a book he read. He side-stepped Tai Lung's jump-kick and attempted to strike his chest with an open palm. Shu was still at a disadvantage and unorthodox as he never actually practiced a martial art and most of his moves are from a book. Tai Lung however did not see this and was pushed back by Shu. However as he was better trained, he regained balance quickly.
The audience watched with great attention. Friends of Shu cheered on him. However there were much more cheers for Tai Lung.
"You've improved, Shu! In such a short time no less! I expected nothing more from the Lion of the Valley! Too bad I'm still better!" Tai Lung said confidently at his friend.
"Of course you're better! Isn't Tai Lung the best?!" Shu replied, shouting his last sentence, asking the audience. Everyone cheered in agreement, including Tai Lung.
"You see, we're all in agreement!" Shu ran at Tai Lung and once more attempted to sweep at Tai Lung's legs with his own leg. Tai, having countered this move already before, jumped over Shu and ended up on his open side.
"Not this time, my friend! I'll sow you this!" Shu thought he could attack Tai Lung by backing up slightly and attempting a side kick. However Tai Lung simply grabbed his leg and twisted it the opposite way. Shu, not wanting his leg to be broken, went with the flow and spun around and fell to the ground. It looked painful. Many viewers, especially friends of Shu, gasped in surprise as Shu did not stand.
Suddenly, a clapping sound was heard from Shu. Shu was clapping his paws together in approval of Tai Lung. Soon, everyone started to clap, not only at Tai Lung, but at Shu for being able to withstand Tai Lung's attacks.
Shu, still clapping, stood up awkwardly because his leg got sprained during Tai Lung's last attack. He still clapped with the audience as he walked towards Tai Lung.
"Well put, friend," Shu said as he bowed to Tai Lung.
"Master Dragon," Shu simply said, still bowing. The applause of the audience only grew louder at this show of respect.
"You do not need to bow to me, Shu. Anyways, stand. Father and the turtle are here," Tai Lung was the first to notice Shifu and Oogway walking towards them. The audience soon fell silent at the arrival of the Masters.
"I see, old man dad and old man turtle…" Shu looked back and saw them as well and stood, with the help of Tai Lung. They patted each other's backs before Shu went to join the audience. Whispers congratulating Shu were soon heard before becoming quiet again. Shu, like everyone present, turned their attention to Tai Lung, Shifu, and Oogway.
Tai Lung bowed to the Masters and looked at them with a confident grin. All knew that it was Oogway who made the decision. Shu watched, proud to be able to be a witness to this. He smiled, although he felt something was wrong.
This was the moment that would change everything. The Valley itself would forever be changed due to this revelation. Oogway looked at a confident Tai Lung and frowned, shaking his head. Tai Lung was not the Dragon Warrior. Tai Lung gasped in surprise at this decision. Oogway turned his back on Tai Lung and went back to the unknown areas. Tai Lung looks to his father for defense. Shifu is as shocked as he is, but does not say anything and follows Oogway. Tai Lung is even more shocked at the lack of defense from his father. He feels betrayed now.
Tai Lung turns his head when Shu speaks up.
"Impossible! Tai Lung IS the Dragon Warrior!" Shu defended Tai Lung to everyone's surprise.
Both Shifu and Oogaway turn their heads at him as well.
"Do you know what you old guys are missing? Look at him! He's everything the Dragon Warrior should be! Young, strong, confident, and just! What is he missing?!" Shu defended his friend.
Shu did not get an answer from Oogway as he turned to walk back to the Palace. Shifu, however, agreed with Shu but did not say anything, following Oogaway.
Shu and Tai Lung now faced each other. Their eyes were steadfast, looking at each other.
"We… need to talk," Tai Lung was trying hard to control something he had not felt before.
Shu called it anger, a result of betrayal.